What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Principles To Consider…• Our communication is to always be “high

quality” Eph 4:29, 31 5:3-4 Col 4:6• It needs to be “edifying”• It needs to be “graceful”• It needs to indicative of a thankful person• It is not to be “salty” but pleasant, “tasteful”

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Principles To Consider…• Gossip is behavior that meets with Satan’s

approval 1 Tim 5:13-15• Indicates not enough time spent at home• Indicates too much “intrusiveness” into

others’ business• Indicates too much idle time

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Principles To Consider…• Gossip is behavior that meets with Satan’s

approval 1 Tim 5:13-15• This reflects poorly upon Christ, His

kingdom• Enemies would be emboldened in their

reproachful speech by such conduct

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Principles To Consider…• A gossip himself is not a “faithful spirit”

Prov 11:13• He is not “trustworthy”• He has betrayed others, their confidence• He doesn’t love others…his behavior tries to

“separate friends” Prov 17:9

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Principles To Consider…• A gossip himself is not a “faithful spirit”

Prov 11:13• He is not to be associated with as long as he

gossips Prov 20:19

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Principles To Consider…• It takes 2 to gossip Prov 26:20

• No wood…no fire• No talebearer…no gossip, rumors, slander• However, a gossiper cannot “practice his

trade” without a willing listener

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Principles To Consider…• It takes 2 to gossip Prov 26:20

• Those who may not actually be telling it are just as guilty when they want to hear it

• They want all the “juicy details” Prov 26:22• This is easily thwarted…when the gossiper

comes calling, do not give him your ears

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Questions To Ask Myself…• We all communicate, talk to others• Sometimes this involves the actions,

character of others• Before proceeding, it would be prudent to

consider some questions• Whether we are the “tellers” or the “listeners”

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Questions To Ask Myself… Is It True?

• Rumors are easily started…spread faster• We should only speak truth Eph 4:25• Even if it is true, does it need to be told?

E.g. A past sin that has been corrected… repentance has occurred

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Questions To Ask Myself… Is It Helpful?

• Does it help some greater good if others are told about it?

• Is one’s character, a family, a local church, etc. helped or advanced by revealing something about someone else

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Questions To Ask Myself… Is It “Constructive” Or “Destructive?”

• Does it build someone else up, or does it do nothing but tear that person down?

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Conclusion• There are many ways in which a disciple

may manifest a heart molded by the world• Gossip is but one of them• It is an easy trap in which to fall• Disciples need to remember what Jesus and

Paul taught Mk 7:20-23 Rom 12:1-2

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Conclusion• Love of God should be enough to help us

remember to avoid this sin• Love of others (brethren, friends) also

ought to be strong enough that we do not practice this sin…that we do not even desire to do so

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

Conclusion• Indulging in gossip shows a blatant

disregard for the feelings and reputation of others

• We all need to guard our speech• Our talk will give us away, “betray us”• Can you say, “Shibboleth?”

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?